2019 40 Under 40: Brian McLaughlin, PE; 39

Fire Protection Engineer, Associate Principal, Arup, Los Angeles BS Mechanical Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Massachusetts MS Fire Protection Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute

By Jack Smith and Amara Rozgus May 16, 2019

McLaughlin is an associate principal at Arup where he leads the Fire Engineering team. He joined the firm in 2001 upon graduating from Worcester Polytechnic Institute and went on to finish his graduate degree in fire protection engineering in 2002 while with Arup. He has been involved in nearly 400 projects spanning six continents and has collaborated with hundreds of clients and colleagues around the world. As a member of the fire engineering team at Arup, McLaughlin has been involved in a wide variety of projects including large atrium spaces, high-rise buildings, airport and transportation facilities, industrial buildings, amusement parks, hotels, casinos, museums and cultural spaces. He has gained worldwide project experience working with Arup’s international teams in Hong Kong, Macao and Sydney. These international assignments have familiarized him with global fire engineering and life safety practices and have been beneficial to his professional development. McLaughlin relocated to Los Angeles in February 2005. He has led the Los Angeles Fire Engineering team since April 2011. He believes in the power of giving back and sharing information for the advancement of the industry. He participates in Arup’s Mentoring Circles to mentor younger staff who are looking to the firm’s emerging leaders for support and guidance in their careers. McLaughlin’s current focus outside of work is his family. Spending time with his wife, Maureen, and son and daughter is of the utmost importance and brings meaning to a busy and sometimes hectic life. They enjoy spending time at Southern California theme parks and staying in to appreciate home-cooked meals together. 


Author Bio: Jack Smith is a Content Manager at CFE Media. Amara Rozgus is Editor-in-Chief of Consulting-Specifying Engineer.